Merle Schmidt

Merle E. Schmidt, 92, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, September 5, 2021 at his home.

Merle Eugene Schmidt was born January 17, 1929, in Buse Township, Ottertail County, Minnesota, the son of William L. and Elvie F. (Peterson) Schmidt. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Methodist Church in Fergus Falls. He grew up in Fergus Falls where he attended Adams Elementary School and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1947.

Merle married the love of his life, Marcella M. Wencel, on December 30, 1950 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He lived in Fergus Falls for his entire life except for two years of service in the U.S. Army, from 1951 to 1953, where he served on the amphibious engineers landing craft, stationed at Fort Warden, Washington.

Merle worked for the Otter Tail County Highway Department as a surveyor for the Engineering Department after graduating from high school. Following his service in the Army, he became a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office in Fergus Falls, retiring in 1984 after more than 30 years of service. He was then employed part time at Pamida in Fergus Falls for ten years and then with the team at Minnesota Motor Company for over 20 years.

He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on several offices and boards. He was also a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers for over 55 years, serving as President of Local Bd. #806. Merle was a self-taught woodworker, making many projects for family in his backyard shop. His family called him an artist whose media was oak.

Merle was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Marcella, on September 24, 2000; his parents; sisters Lorna Schmidt and Laverne Martin; brothers-in-law Alvin Emery, Dwayne Eklund, Melvin Martin and Jim Donnelly; and sisters-in-law Iva Schmidt and Lucille Eklund.

Merle is survived by his four daughters; Raeann (Jon) Ruff of Lamoure ND, Lynette (Mike) Kluver of Alexandria MN, Janet (Roger) Maki of Iron MN and Darla (Dan) Jacobson of Fergus Falls MN; his seven grandchildren; Allison (Paul) Koecher, Megan (Shawn) Buchmeier, Katie (Tom) Rentschler, Mitch (Sara) Kluver, Josh (Beth) Oslund, Brandon (Shannon) Oslund and Anthony Oslund; step-grandchildren Cassy (Krishna) Ramalingam, Jessica Lindquist, Abby (Ryan) Dalzell and Patrick (Lindsay) Cranston. Merle is also survived by his great-grandchildren; Colter, Nora, Adalyn, Russell, Henry, Tenley, Lakelyn, Charlie, Hazel, Aiydan, Ava, Brenna, Brekkyn, and Zoey; his step-great grandchildren Ryan, Lilly, Dylan, Audrey, Edith, Rex, Lucy, Ruby, and Jake; his brother Wayne Schmidt, sisters Marcella Wildung, Maxine (Gene) Schmidt, brother-in-law David Wencel, sister-in-laws Eleanor Donnelly and Sharon Wencel; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Merle treasured and loved his family and they loved him deeply as well.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Reverend Craig Palach

Cemetery: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com